How can I safely treat painful, bloody stools?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am suffering from pain while passing stools, and there are some blood spots on the stool. The pain is unbearable, but there is no noticeable swelling. I am unable to go out due to the lockdown situation. I am a diabetic. Please guide me on what to do.

Do you know if this is normal?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your condition. You say you are having bloodstained stools and there is no swelling in the anal region which is a good sign.

Now, based on your history, I suspect you must have had constipation a couple of times. Constipation ultimately will lead to hard stools, which can cause a tear at the anal region. I also guess that you are having a fissure in the anal region i.e. a tear at the anal verge. And since it is painful and recent, it is of an acute nature.

I suggest you consume a high fiber diet. Regarding treatment, you have to sit in a tub filled with warm water twice daily for five to ten minutes for ten days. It is advisable to put in 5-10 ml of Betadine solution, but if you are not able to go out due to lockdown, you can use it as plain warm water. This process is called a sitz bath.

If you can get to a pharmacy, get an ointment Lidocaine 5%. Apply it thrice a day at the anal verge, better to apply before and after defecation. Avoid straining and avoid constipation by including green leafy veggies in your diet and drinking plenty of water. Kindly keep your sugar levels under control.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.